Center of Dance Arts Twirls to Success

The in Morganville is expanding, but the family business is keeping its roots in mind.

The space, located on Ginesi Drive, will expand to 10,000 square feet in September. However, the staff has remained the same throughout the business' eight years in Marlboro Township, and the Center of Dance Arts owner consider their students, family.

"We give 1,000 percent to our kids," said Jennifer Jarazo Pecoraro, Director of CODA. "They become your family."

Pecoraro runs the school with her mother and office manager, Patricia Jarazo as well as her sister and Assistant Director, Stephanie Jarazo. Instructors are certified, and Pecoraro and two others graduated from the Mason Gross School of the Arts.

CODA offers a variety of dance classes, from program competition training to recreational classes for 2 o 4 year olds. The recreational program is meant for younger students, offered over 6 weeks with no long term commitment for parents.

Pecoraro said CODA said she considers the school a support system for its members. The students and staff even organize a team for the Point Pleasant breast cancer walk each year, to support a mom of the school who was diagnosed.

"We have the same staff all of the time, members know what they are getting," she said. "We're really close, our staff even goes to see students in their school plays."

Although dance schools may be getting a questionable reputation due to several reality TV shows surrounding the business, Pecoraro said she prides herself in creating a sense of unity within the school.

"We make it a home type atmosphere, I try to keep the team unity in check," she said. "It's meant to be stress-free and fun."

Pecoraro said in order to keep costs down for parents, the school participates in local competitions to ensure students can participate in as many as possible.

"It's not the color of the medal they get, its that they try their best," said Pecoraro. "We'll never be disappointed in them."

More information about the Center of Dance Arts and all classes offered can be found at their website.